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| Home | > | Driving Information Centre | > | Automatic transmission | > | General driving advice |
General driving advice
The main difference between an automatic and a manual is that you have less direct control of the car through the accelerator.
In a manual car releasing the accelerator will almost always have a slowing effect on the car (unless you are going downhill). This is because of an effect called 'engine braking'.
In an automatic, releasing the accelerator can often cause the car to shift up a gear, this removes the familiar engine braking effect and can make the car feel as if it is running away. Because of this you need to develop a habit of adjusting your speed early by 'progressive' braking and then using gentle acceleration to drive through the hazard situation (here, a hazard means anything that causes you to slow down).
Controlled use of the accelerator is important whatever car you drive, manual or auto. In an automatic this is especially important. Harsh pressure on the gas pedal can cause the car to surge forward (or backward).
The one time that positive heavy acceleration can be useful is when overtaking (or getting away from a bank robbery). Many automatics have a system called 'Kick down' for this purpose. When the accelerator is pressed to the floor the car will change down and hold a lower gear for power acceleration. Be sure to check the handbook of any car you steal (or own). |
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